Virginia Union University President Bernard W. Franklin will join the NCAA staff as senior vice-president for governance and membership.

Franklin, who has served as president of Virginia Union since 1999, also has been chief executive officer at Saint Augustine's College and Livingstone College.

As NCAA senior vice-president for governance and membership, Franklin will report directly to NCAA President Myles Brand and will chair the staff governance integration team. The vice-presidents for membership services and the three division staffs will report to Franklin, along with the NCAA research staff.

Franklin, who will assume his new duties November 1, is former vice-chair of the NCAA Division II Presidents Council. He also served as a member of the NCAA Executive Committee.

"The NCAA is fortunate to attract an individual with Bernard's presidential leadership experience and abilities in both higher education and NCAA governance," Brand said. "He will be challenged to apply his skills to a significant and important function of the NCAA -- the rule- and policy-making responsibilities within the Association's three divisions.

"As impressive as his administrative and leadership talents are, the characteristic universally mentioned by those who have worked with Bernard is his integrity. I could not be more pleased that he will be a part of the leadership team for the national office."

In addition to his staff management responsibilities, Franklin also will serve as the senior staff liaison to the NCAA Executive Committee.

"It is an interesting and challenging time in intercollegiate athletics, and this position offers the opportunity to continue my career in higher education and the support of students," Franklin said. "Myles has set the bar high for the future of college sports, and I am pleased for the opportunity to contribute to reconnecting athletics with the academic mission of higher education."

Franklin earned his bachelor of arts degree in religion from Simpson College in 1974. He has a master of education degree from McDaniel College and a doctor of education degree from Columbia University Teachers College.

Franklin also served as vice-president for student affairs at Virginia Union and assistant vice-president for student affairs at Johnson C. Smith University. He began his career in higher education in 1983 as assistant professor in the department of educational leadership at Miami University (Ohio).

Franklin was selected as one of 28 American Council on Education (ACE) Fellows for the 1988-89 academic year. He also has presented papers, lectures and programs for various higher education audiences over the last 20 years.

A panelist on The White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities National Conference in 1991, he also is a member of the executive committee and board of directors of the United Negro College Fund. In addition, he serves on the board of trustees at Simpson College.